Saving money

I have not posted in a while, if you had not noticed. I have started compiling information on ways I have been trying to live with less. With my husband and I currently not working I have had to tighten the purse string VERY tight. This means finding ways to save money. I like that most ways people save money they can also help our Earth. So while on the outside I may appear to have become pretty granola, it is not that I am really trying to save the Earthy, I am really trying to save money. The Earth is just a bonus. I hope to post more of my things I have been learning very soon. For now here is a look at some very simple ways to save money around the home. 

Shopping
·         Shop second hand stores, Thrift Stores, Garage Sales
·         Purchase meat in bulk and separate into freezer bags and freeze what is not needed     immediately.
·         Use coupons when possible. Note: Coupons are not always the best deal. Make sure to compare store brands to the name brand. Also, use coupons for items you normally purchase.
·         Stock up on common household items and food when it is discounted.

Personal
·         Stop buying shaving cream. There is really no need to use shaving cream; soap and water work just a well.
·         Find one item to use for multiple uses. I recommend using Castile Soap. It is great to use for body wash, shaving cream, shampoo, baby wash, and can even be used to household cleaning. A large bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap can be purchased at Kroger for $6.99 and Target for $9.99. It can also be found at most other stores and online.
Gas/Electricity
·         Turn off lights that are not needed.
·         Unplug electronics that are not currently in use.
·         Use a manual can opener.
·         Keep the A/C between 72 and 75 degrees
·         Keep furnace on 65 to 70 degrees

Water

·         Use the water that you used to boil, or steam vegetables to water plants.
Cooking
·         Double recipes so that they are large enough to last several days or freeze left over portions to ready to eat meals later.
·         Cute portions sizes. Hint: eat from a smaller plate.
In the Kitchen
·         Instead of using paper towels start using old towels.  I have taken old towels and cut them to be the size of a regular paper towel. I store them close to the sink and when I need a “paper towel” I grab a rag instead. At the end of the day I put that day’s rags in the dirty laundry. I still keep paper towels on hand for really dirty jobs like pet accidents or other gross things I do not want to wash.
Baby
·         Breastfeed
·         Cloth diapers
·         Make your own baby food
·         Shop yard sales and second hand stores for clothes, toys, books, and other items
·         Instead of buying story books us the Public Library